Karina Sedigh - Pierside Hotel, Santa Monica

2/23/2026
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Karina Sedigh, General Manager of The Pierside Hotel in Santa Monica, reflects on the property's unique place as the last hotel before the Mother Road ends at the Santa Monica Pier. From that vantage point, she shares how the hotel connects Route 66's history with the energy of the California coast

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

The Pierside is located just before the spiritual end of the Mother Road. We're the last hotel before the iconic "End of Trail" sign on the Santa Monica Pier, where, after thousands of miles, the road meets the Pacific, and the journey finally gets to rest.

While The Pierside is only celebrating its 3rd anniversary this year, the building has been part of the Santa Monica landscape since the 1960s, so welcoming travelers at this point feels authentic to who we are. We're steps from the pier, but miles from ordinary, and we offer a place where arrival feels intentional.

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you?

To us, it's not only about the historic significance and its symbolism, but also the people who travel it. We're recognizing the end of an iconic journey and welcoming guests with a thoughtful, celebratory approach grounded in the spirit of Route 66. 

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66?

We're creating experiences that feel earned, not staged, and we are celebrating through themed experiences, specials, and hotel packages throughout the whole year. For instance, our "End of Trail Retreat" package celebrates the arrival and includes parking, a $66 food and beverage credit, an in-room recharge station with a massage gun and other wellness items, and a keepsake guests can take home.

Beyond that, we're leaning into storytelling, personalization, and partnerships that reflect both Route 66 and Santa Monica's local culture. It will be worth keeping up with us on social media at @piersidesantamonica and on our website, thepiersidehotel.com, for specials, pop-ups, and activations.

Q: Why do you recommend people embark on this journey this year??

This year feels truly monumental. Not only are we celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, but the United States is also marking its 250th anniversary. Together, these milestones create a rare opportunity to reflect on the core values that have long defined the American spirit: freedom, adventure, and a love of exploration.
The Centennial gives people a meaningful reason to get back on the road, gather their friends or family, and experience the country in a slower, more connected way. Route 66 isn't just a drive, it's a journey through history, culture, and community, and there's no better year to take it than now. 

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66?

We're biased, but it's hard to beat the Santa Monica Pier, where the road finally gets to rest and meet the Pacific. There's something incredibly powerful about watching the journey end at the ocean.
If we had to choose another favorite, it would be Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It's otherworldly and calming in a way that stays with you. In a strange and beautiful sense, it echoes what we love about the coast—vast, grounding, and quietly awe-inspiring. 

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years?

We hope that Route 66 continues to be preserved, protected, and experienced, not just remembered. The Centennial is a milestone, but the road's story doesn't stop there. I hope the next 100 years bring new generations of travelers who are curious, intentional, and excited to experience Route 66 in their own way.
Travelers will always be finishing Route 66 here, and we see ourselves as caretakers of that final chapter, continuing to offer a warm, authentic welcome long after the celebration year ends. Our goal is to help ensure the spirit of the road, connection, discovery, and arrival, remains alive for decades to come.

Monika Geraci - Go RVing on Route 66

3/01/2026
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Monika Geraci, Senior Director, PR & Communications for Go RVing spoke with us about the freedom of the open road, and why traveling by RV is a great way to experience America’s most iconic destinations.

Go RVing highlights the freedom and flexibility of RV travel while providing resources to help plan trips. Funded by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), Go RVing aims to grow the RV market and increase public awareness of this adventurous way to explore the country.

Q: Route 66 has long symbolized freedom and the open road. How does RV travel capture that same spirit for today's travelers?

RV travel captures the spirit of Route 66 by putting travelers back in control of their journey. RVing allows people to set their own pace, adjust plans as they go, embrace spontaneity, and truly enjoy the open road without delays, cancellations, or overbooked accommodations. That sense of flexibility and independence reflects the freedom Route 66 has always represented.

Q: Many people associate Route 66 with classic car trips and roadside motels. How has RVing influenced the way people experience historic highways like Route 66?

RVing has transformed the Route 66 experience by enabling travelers to explore at their own pace. Without being tied to hotel check-in and check-out times or rigid itineraries, RVers can linger in small towns, pull over at unexpected attractions, and spend more time connecting with the people and places that make the route special. Campgrounds along the way also create a sense of community, mirroring the social spirit Route 66 is known for.

Q: What do first-time RVers often find most surprising when they take their first road trip, especially on legendary routes like Route 66?

Many first-time RVers are surprised by just how relaxing the experience can be. While travelers often start with a detailed plan, RVing naturally encourages slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and embracing spontaneous detours. On a route like Route 66, that flexibility often leads to richer experiences and memorable moments that might have been missed with a more rigid travel schedule.

Q: Go RVing has focused on reaching new and more diverse audiences in recent years. How does RV travel make iconic American destinations more accessible to these travelers?

RVing offers an affordable and flexible way to travel, with studies showing families of four can save up to 60% compared to other vacation options. This affordability, combined with the ability to travel comfortably on one’s own terms, opens the door for more people to experience America’s legendary routes and destinations.

Q: With the Route 66 Centennial in mind, what role do you see RV travel playing in the future of road-tripping and heritage tourism?

RV travel will play a vital role in the future of road-tripping and heritage tourism by helping travelers slow down and fully experience the history, small towns, and attractions that define Route 66 and other iconic roadways. RV trips can also create meaningful, multi-generational experiences, allowing families to share stories, learn along the way, and pass on a love of travel, camping, and exploration to future generations. The sense of community fostered at campgrounds and along the open road keeps the spirit of adventure alive.

Q: For someone dreaming of experiencing Route 66 for the first time, what advice would you give—and why might an RV be the perfect way to make that journey?

Go for it and give yourself the time to truly experience Route 66. Traveling by RV allows you to take in the history, Americana, and welcoming communities that make the route memorable. With an RV, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary, connect with fellow travelers along the way, and adjust your plans as your curiosity and schedule lead you.

Randall Smalley - Why RV Travel is the Ideal Way to Experience Route 66

2/18/2026
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Randall Smalley, Global Marketing and Business Development for Cruise America / Cruise Canada, discusses why RV travel is the ideal way to experience Route 66 during the Centennial and beyond.

Cruise America has been helping travelers explore the United States for decades.

Q: How does RV travel enhance the Route 66 experience compared to traditional road trips?

Route 66 was built for freedom, and RV travel is the purest expression of that spirit. An RV turns the journey itself into the destination. With no rigid hotel check-ins, no unpacking every night, and no need to rush past the moments that make the Mother Road special. Our product is perfect for first-time campers, and with 100+ locations and one-way capabilities, we have the scale to meet most customers’ travel needs. Travelers can wake up steps from iconic landmarks and national parks, stay in historic towns that don’t always have hotel options, and experience Route 66 at their own pace. With an RV, Route 66 isn’t just a drive; it’s a fully immersive experience and adventure. The adventure is where our hashtag #BETHERENOW was born.

Q: What advice would you give first-time RVers planning a trip along Route 66? Are there common challenges or surprises they should expect?

The biggest advice is simple: slow down and enjoy the adventure. Route 66 rewards curiosity. First-time RVers are often surprised by how easy modern RVs are to drive and how welcoming RV parks and campgrounds are along the route. We designed our vehicles with a purpose: to make it easy to drive and operate. This allows anyone to plan an RV trip, and it’s worked well for us for over 50 years. Planning a flexible itinerary that allows extra time for spontaneous stops and familiarizing yourself with basic RV systems before departure goes a long way. Most travelers quickly realize that the flexibility of RV travel is its greatest advantage. Most importantly, it’s affordable. Camping offers the highest rewards for families, as it’s cheap and a memorable experience.

Q: Route 66 is known for its historic landmarks, roadside attractions, and small-town charm. How does RV travel make it easier for people to explore these hidden gems?

Many of Route 66’s most memorable experiences sit between the major cities. The classic diners, neon motels, roadside museums, and small towns that still carry the soul of the highway. RV travel makes these stops accessible. Travelers aren’t limited by hotel availability or fixed schedules, which means they can stay longer in places that resonate with them or discover destinations they hadn’t planned on visiting at all. That sense of discovery is what Route 66 is all about. Cruise Route 66 in a rental.

Q: Cruise America has a fleet of vehicles for all types of travelers. Are there specific RV models you recommend for the Route 66 journey, and why?

Route 66 is ideal for any of our RVs. Cruise America’s smaller models are geared towards a couple or small family, while our standard and large models are for families, relatives, and groups of friends. We offer from 18 to 30ft long, but no longer than that, to keep the driving easy. Cruise RV’s are especially popular because they’re easy to drive. Making it simple and easy is the recipe for success. For travelers who want more space or are traveling with kids, our larger Class C motorhomes offer extra comfort while still being highly manageable on long stretches of open road. The key is choosing an RV that matches your travel style. Route 66 welcomes them all, and the roads in America are spacious, so one should never worry in a Cruise unit.

Q: Safety is always a priority for RVers. What tips or best practices does Cruise America offer for navigating a long cross-country route like Route 66?

Preparation and planning are everything. We encourage travelers to plan reasonable daily driving distances (average 150 miles a day), take regular breaks, and use Cruise America’s orientation resources to understand vehicle features before hitting the road. We offer a 30-minute walk-through at pickup and tons of video content online for this reason. Staying flexible with the weather, being mindful of road conditions in rural areas, and using established RV parks for overnight stays help ensure a smooth and safe journey. At the end of the day, there are many spontaneous places one can stop for the night and be safe. Just be smart. Route 66 is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed, but if you need to do it more quickly, plan the route accordingly.

Q: How has the popularity of RV travel evolved in recent years, and how do you see it shaping the future of Route 66 tourism?

RV travel has seen tremendous growth as travelers seek more meaningful, flexible, and immersive experiences. That shift aligns perfectly with Route 66, which thrives on storytelling, exploration, and personal connection. As more people embrace RV travel, both domestically and internationally, we see Route 66 becoming a centerpiece of experiential tourism, offering a nostalgic journey that still feels fresh and relevant for modern travelers. We service customers from all over the world, so international customers are a big focus for 2026. We want them to do what the Americans have done or will do and explore Route 66.

Q: Many travelers want to combine classic Route 66 nostalgia with modern comforts. How does an RV provide the perfect balance of adventure and convenience?

An RV allows travelers to step into the past without giving up today’s conveniences. You can enjoy classic diners, vintage attractions, and historic main streets by day, then relax at night with comfortable sleeping areas, a kitchen, and climate control. That blend of nostalgia and comfort makes Route 66 accessible to travelers of all ages and experience levels, turning adventure into something effortless and enjoyable. Making your own meals, what I like to call the “digital detox” for a family, is just one of the reasons why an RV might be the perfect choice for summer. I would encourage everyone to disconnect in nature. The best way to do it is to take an RV trip into the outdoors.

Q: Finally, what makes Route 66 a “must-see” for Cruise America travelers, and why is it important to celebrate the road’s 100th anniversary?

Route 66 is the original American road trip and one of the most popular road trips in the world. It tells the story of freedom, migration, innovation, and exploration; values that align perfectly with RV travel. Celebrating the 100th anniversary is about honoring that legacy while inviting a new generation to experience it in a modern way. For Cruise America travelers, Route 66 represents the ultimate journey: iconic, authentic, and deeply personal. We’re proud to help travelers write their own chapter of that story and be sponsors of the Route 66 centennial.

You can find 20% off time and mileage for domestic customers through the spring of 2026. Visit cruiseamerica.com.

Susan Sims - Get Your Licks on Route 66

2/06/2026
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

For almost two decades, Susan Sims, publisher of FIDO Friendly Magazine, has combined her love of animals with her passion for the open road. In this interview, Susan shares her personal connection to Route 66, her favorite stops along the way, and her vision for celebrating the highway’s 100th anniversary — all while championing shelter pets and sharing the journey with FIDO Friendly’s 250,000+ social media followers.

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

For the 18th year, we are heading down the Mother Road to support adoption events and raise money for the animal shelters across America.

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you?

The iconic road is a slice of Americana, evoking nostalgia for those lucky enough to drive the Mother Road.

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66?

Our 18th annual pet adoption tour, Get Your Licks on Route 66®, will be promoted to our 250,000+ social media audience and featured in the summer issue of FIDO Friendly Magazine. We hope to host adoption events during the Centennial celebrations.

Q: When did your passion for Route 66 begin?

Eighteen years ago, we wanted to raise awareness for shelter pets, and America’s Favorite Highway seemed like the perfect stage, a six-week journey celebrating Route 66 while highlighting the needs of animals in shelters.

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66?

Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch is one of Route 66’s most iconic roadside attractions, where half-buried Cadillacs rise from the Texas plains as a colorful, ever-changing symbol of creativity, freedom, and the spirit of the open road.

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years?

We hope that, in another 100 years, thousands of people will be checking off Route 66 from their bucket lists and enjoying the best of America.

For more information about Get Your Licks on Route 66®, visit, fidofriendly.com.

Crystal Jimenez - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

2/19/2026
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is the state's cabinet-level agency responsible for protecting and enhancing public health and the environment. Established in 1987, it administers state environmental laws and delegated federal programs like the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) supports communities along Arizona's Route 66 by helping remove environmental barriers that prevent redevelopment. Through ADEQ's Brownfields program, the agency provides technical expertise and oversight to assess and clean up contaminated properties in Route 66 corridor communities, enabling them to return to productive use safely. ADEQ works closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local governments to test soil and groundwater and ensure sites meet environmental standards. This work helps Route 66 communities move forward with redevelopment while protecting public health and the environment.

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you? Are there common challenges or surprises they should expect?

To ADEQ, Route 66 represents the chance to protect public health while helping communities preserve their history and plan. Through brownfields cleanups, ADEQ helps address contamination concerns that might otherwise limit redevelopment and investment. This work supports local goals by ensuring environmental risks are identified, managed, and reduced, allowing communities to revitalize safely and sustainably.

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66?

ADEQ is recognizing the milestone by highlighting successful brownfields projects along Route 66. The agency is sharing examples of sites that, with ADEQ's support, moved from blighted and/or underused to community assets.
By spotlighting these projects, ADEQ is showcasing the role environmental cleanups play in helping communities move forward.

Q: When did your passion for Route 66 begin?

ADEQ's commitment to Route 66 began in 2004 with the launch of the Route 66 Initiative. The program focuses on helping communities address environmental challenges at former commercial and industrial properties along the corridor.
Through technical assistance, site assessments, and oversight of cleanup, ADEQ works to reduce contamination concerns and support safe redevelopment. The initiative reflects ADEQ's long-term commitment to protecting public health and the environment while supporting community-driven reuse.

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66?

While ADEQ has worked on many vital sites along Route 66, Standin' on the Corner Park in Winslow is a strong example of ADEQ's brownfields work in action. The site was the first project in Arizona to receive funding through ADEQ's Brownfields Grant Program.
ADEQ provided technical oversight to address environmental debris and hazardous materials at the site. Once environmental concerns were resolved, the community was able to redevelop the property into a public landmark. The project demonstrates how ADEQ's involvement can help remove barriers to redevelopment and support local vision.

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years?

ADEQ hopes communities along Route 66 continue to have the tools and support needed to address environmental concerns and pursue redevelopment safely.
By reducing environmental risks and providing technical expertise, ADEQ aims to help ensure Route 66 remains a place where communities can invest, grow, and plan with confidence.

Gail Chehak - Honoring Indigenous Stories Along the Mother Road

11/13/2025
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Gail Chehak is the Community & Partner Relations Director for the American Indigenous Tourism Association, Inc.

As the world prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it’s important to remember that this iconic road does more than link Chicago to Santa Monica—it connects generations, cultures, and communities. For Indigenous people whose homelands have long intersected the route, Route 66 is a powerful symbol of both visibility and opportunity.

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

In 2016, the American Indigenous Tourism Association published American Indians and Route 66. This travel guide was created in partnership with the National Park Service. Funded in part by the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, the publication highlights the tribal nations along this historic highway.

Now, in 2025, the American Indigenous Tourism Association is updating the list of Indigenous tourism attractions along Route 66 on DestinationNativeAmerica.com, continuing our work to connect travelers with the vibrant cultures, stories and experiences found along this iconic route..

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you? 

Route 66 opened the door to tourism in the American west, encouraging travelers to journey by automobile and experience the landscapes and communities along the way. The Route helped build the tourism economy across the southwest—supporting local businesses, roadside attractions and helped build the flourishing trade in native arts and crafts.

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66? 

We want to invite travelers to rediscover America’s most iconic highway and the tribes along the way—with the same wonder, curiosity and delight that inspired those first road trippers a century ago.

Q: When did your passion for Route 66 begin? 

When I moved to New Mexico, I saw the neon signs and references to Route 66. Then I learned the history and was fascinated by how much tourism affected the tribal arts and crafts industry.

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66? 

Taos Pueblo—with its multi-storied adobe homes—remains a living community that has thrived for nearly 1,000 years, long before Columbus arrived in the Americas. Visitors continue to be invited to share in its vibrant arts, crafts and culture, experiencing a deep connection to history that continues to this day.

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years? 

My hope is that travelers will continue to follow the path of Route 66, discovering the rich homelands of the tribes along the way—celebrating the cultures that endure and remembering those whose presence shaped this land long before the highway existed.

The Inland Empire 66er Minor League Baseball Team

11/5/2025
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Located in the heart of San Bernardino, California, the Inland Empire 66ers are more than just a Minor League Baseball team — it's a proud part of a community deeply rooted in the legacy of Route 66.

Since its founding in 2003, the team has carried the name "66ers" as a tribute to the historic Route 66, which runs through the city.

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

We are a Minor League Baseball team in San Bernardino, California, named after Route 66. It's not just a clever name — it reflects our connection to the road that has helped shape our region's character and history. The Mother Road is quite literally part of our brand..

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you? 

Beyond branding, Route 66 represents a cultural legacy that runs deep in San Bernardino and across the Inland Empire. Its influence on our city's development and culture is significant, and we're proud to help keep that legacy alive through baseball, community events, and more.

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66? 

During the 2026 season and beyond, our fans can expect major events at our games — special promotions, themed nights, and more ways to honor the spirit of the Mother Road with every pitch and every home run at San Manuel Stadium

Q: When did your passion for Route 66 begin? 

Our passion for Route 66 isn't new — it's part of who we are. The highway has always been intertwined with our community's identity, which is exactly why we adopted the "66ers" name when we rebranded in 2003. It was a way to pay homage to our roots and celebrate our unique location on one of America's most iconic roads.

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66? 

When it comes to favorite Route 66 landmarks, we may be biased — but San Manuel Stadium is at the top of our list. As our home field and a central hub for community events, it's where Route 66 spirit meets America's pastime.

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years? 

As we look toward the future, we hope that preservation efforts continue to restore Route 66's past glory, and that more people — both locals and visitors — come to understand its tremendous impact on U.S. history and culture.

 San manuel 66ers stadium front

San Manuel Stadium drone shot

Houston Gibson, Great Race Coordinator

9/23/2025
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

The 2026 Hemmings Great Race has been officially recognized as a Route 66 Centennial Event. 

It will follow the legendary “Mother Road” from Illinois all the way to California. "Now, with the centennial designation, our journey takes on even greater meaning. Together with racers, crews, and sponsors, we’ll be celebrating 100 years of America’s most iconic highway — one community at a time." note Houston Gibson the race coordinator.

Route 66 has always been about adventure, history, and connection. Those same values are at the heart of the Great Race. From neon-lit main streets to roadside diners, the 2026 event will showcase the charm and character that has made Route 66 a symbol of the American spirit for nearly a century.

"We are honored to partner with the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Planning is well underway, and we can’t wait to share more about the special activities and experiences that will make the 2026 Great Race an unforgettable part of the Route 66 centennial".

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

The Great Race has traveled Route 66 several times since its inaugural event in 1983, and we're thrilled to be returning after an 11-year hiatus to celebrate the Centennial in 2026.

What does Route 66 mean to you? 

To me, Route 66 is the very embodiment of true Americana — a journey filled with iconic sights and landmarks along the original Main Street of America.

How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66? 

Our 2026 season kicks off with the Spring Rally beginning April 30 in Springfield, Missouri, during the Birthplace Festival. Then, in June, members of our Great Race community will gather at the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago. From there, we'll caravan together, stopping at many attractions and museums on the way to Springfield, Illinois.
The official start of the Great Race will take place in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday, June 20, 2026—right in front of the Old State Capitol, where Abraham Lincoln first rose to prominence. Nine days later, on Sunday, June 28, the race will conclude at City Hall in downtown Pasadena, California.
Between the start and finish lie approximately 2,300 miles of competition and 17 hosted city stops across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California—showcasing countless iconic Route 66 sights along the way..

When did your passion for Route 66 begin? 

My first memory of the Mother Road came from reading "The Grapes of Wrath" in school, followed, of course, by the movie "Cars." Both sparked a lasting desire to hit the open road and experience everything Route 66 has to offer.

Do you have a favorite location on Route 66? 

I was fortunate to drive most of Route 66 in August 2025 while preparing for the 2026 Great Race Centennial event. Along the way, I enjoyed countless landmarks, from Cadillac Ranch to Joshua Tree National Park — but my favorite stop was Oatman, Arizona. Navigating the tight curves of the Black Mountains and encountering wild burros along the road was an unforgettable experience.
I'm looking forward to bringing the Great Race back there next June..

What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years? 

I'm encouraged to see the ongoing investment in preserving Route 66. During my drive, I witnessed many improvements underway in preparation for the Centennial celebration. I hope that we continue to protect and maintain this remarkable piece of American history for generations to come.